Lawmakers Want High Schools to Teach “Yes Means Yes” for Sex

Two California lawmakers want to get a head start on preventing sexual assaults on college campuses by having high school students learn about what constitutes consensual sex.

Senate President pro Tem Kevin de Leon and Assemblywoman Hannah-Beth Jackson announced legislation on Tuesday that would require school districts where health education is a high school graduate requirement to make sexual violence prevention a part of the curriculum.

Their bill calls for such instruction to include informing students about the "Yes Means Yes'' law approved last year that required all colleges that receive public funds to adopt a so-called "affirmative consent'' standard for investigating assault allegations and determining if both parties were willing participants in sexual activity.

Jackson says having students discuss healthy boundaries while they still are in high school will prepare them for tricky situations they might encounter as adults.

Editor's note: This story has been updated to correct the spelling of Jackson's name and the title of Sen. de Leon. 

Copyright AP - Associated Press
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